Princes Street is one of the main streets in Edinburgh, renowned for its vibrant shopping scene and breathtaking views of the Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town. It acts as a key hub for tourists and locals alike, featuring a mix of high street brands, department stores, and striking gardens. The street is also lined with historical landmarks and offers easy access to Princes Street Gardens, making it a popular spot for relaxation and scenic walks. Renowned for its lively atmosphere, Princes Street is often bustling with street performers and various cultural events.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 4.0 1,768
- Google Places 4.7 1,729
- Viator 4.4 1,076
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Central location with easy access The street is a transportation hub for buses and trams, making it easy to access other parts of Edinburgh. Waverley train station is also conveniently located nearby.
- Diverse shopping options Princes Street features a wide array of shops, from high-street brands to department stores and souvenir shops. A below-ground shopping mall near Waverley Station adds to the retail options.
- Excellent views and gardens Princes Street offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town. The adjacent Princes Street Gardens provide a pleasant green space for relaxation and sightseeing.
- Historical monuments and architecture Besides the castle views, the street showcases historical monuments like the Scott Monument and impressive buildings. The architecture ranges from Georgian times to the modern era.
- Vibrant atmosphere and events Princes Street offers a lively atmosphere, especially during festivals and holidays like Christmas and Hogmanay. The Christmas market and other seasonal events add to the appeal.
Criticised
- Decline in upkeep Some reviewers have noticed a decline in the quality of shops and upkeep of the area. Vacant shops and rough sleepers detract from the street's former glory.
- Generic shopping experience Many reviewers note that the shops are similar to those found on any high street, lacking unique or local flavor. Some feel the retail experience has declined.
- Overcrowding Princes Street can get extremely crowded, especially during peak tourist season and events. This can make walking and shopping unpleasant.
- Presence of beggars Several reviewers mention the presence of beggars, which can be off-putting. Some also note litter and other issues related to homelessness.
- Traffic congestion The street is a major thoroughfare, with heavy traffic from buses, trams, and taxis. Crossing the street can be difficult, and traffic noise can detract from the experience.
The longer read
Princes Street is Edinburgh's main thoroughfare, acting as a vibrant hub and a natural separator between the old and new parts of the city. Many reviewers highlight its accessibility, with the main train and bus stations located nearby, making it a central point for transportation. The street is renowned for its stunning views, particularly of Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, and the Princes Street Gardens, offering picturesque scenery that enhances the overall experience. These landmarks provide excellent photo opportunities and are considered must-see attractions.The street is a major retail destination, featuring a mix of high-street shops, department stores, and souvenir shops. While some reviewers note the presence of common chain stores, others appreciate the variety and convenience for shopping. The street is known to be very busy, especially during peak seasons like the Edinburgh Fringe, Military Tattoo, and Christmas market. The atmosphere is often described as lively and vibrant, attracting many tourists and locals alike. However, some reviewers find the crowds overwhelming and suggest visiting during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience.Princes Street Gardens, adjacent to the street, offer a green escape with well-maintained landscapes, flower displays, monuments, and seating areas. Reviewers appreciate the gardens as a place to relax, enjoy the views, and take a break from the bustling city. The Christmas market is a significant draw, offering a festive atmosphere with various stalls, games, and attractions. However, some reviewers mention that it can be very crowded and expensive.While the shopping experience is generally positive, some reviewers express concerns about the presence of beggars and the decline in the quality of some shops. A few also mention the lack of public outdoor bins and the need for better maintenance of paving stones.Despite these drawbacks, Princes Street remains a highly recommended destination for its central location, accessibility, stunning views, and diverse range of activities. It serves as a gateway to other attractions in Edinburgh, making it an essential part of any visit to the city.The street's architecture, including listed buildings and monuments, adds to its charm, providing a blend of historical and modern elements. Exploring the side streets off Princes Street can reveal more shops, restaurants, and well-designed buildings, offering a deeper exploration of Edinburgh's urban landscape. Princes Street offers a mix of shopping, sightseeing, and cultural experiences, making it a memorable destination for visitors.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.4 against a median of 4.6 across the 173 venues we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Edinburgh Castle.
Still deciding?
- When is the best time of year to visit Princes Street to enjoy its shops and scenery?
- What types of shops and high‑street brands can I find on Princes Street in Edinburgh?
- What historic landmarks can be seen from Princes Street, and how close are they to the shopping area?
- Is Princes Street suitable for families with children, and what activities or facilities are available for them?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
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- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.